Independent chimney pros serving Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Federal Way, Kirkland, Auburn, Redmond, Sammamish, Shoreline, Burien, Bothell, Issaquah, Seatac, Des Moines, Maple Valley, Mercer Island, Kenmore, Tukwila, Covington, Woodinville, Snoqualmie, Lake Forest Park, Enumclaw, Newcastle, Vashon, Duvall, North Bend, Pacific, Black Diamond, Normandy Park

Request a callback
King County Chimney Sweep
☰

Smoke in the room

The three causes

A blocked flue (creosote glaze, a nest, debris), a cold-air problem (the flue has to warm before it draws), or a house so airtight the fireplace starves the draft.

The quick check

Crack a window near the fireplace and light a small test fire. If the smoke clears, the house is too airtight. If it still backs up, the flue itself is blocked or the draft is failing.

The fix

A blocked flue gets the sweep or inspection it has been needing. An airtight-house problem may need a make-up air fix or a different damper approach. The pro identifies which version on site.

a wood fireplace with light smoke drifting into a living room, muted colors
Request a callback